Importating Gas Cookers

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1921, Page 4

Importating Gas Cookers

MINISTERIAL EXPLANATION OE K EfsTKl CTIONS. AUCKLAND, May 18. Tin- embargo on the importation ol gad-cookers was the subject ol representations to the lion. \V. Downie Stewart by a deputation from the Auckland Gas Co. to-day. The .Minister made a statement this evening. He said it appeared to have been thought that the object of the Order-in-Council was to create a monopoly in favour of local manufacturers, but the sole reason for the step was that evidence was placed before the Qiistoms Department indicating that dumping was taking place, and that imported gas-cookers were being sold to New Zealand importers at less than a fair market value in the country of exportation. Tt was incorrect to say that the reason for the Ordcr-in-C’ouncil was that imported cookers were cheaper than the local article. There was no desire to protest local producers from legitimate competition, but it was considered reason a hie to prohibit importations until enquiry could he made as to whether dumping was actually taking place. Cable messages were sent to the agent of tfio Department in London to ascertain whether there was any justification for the difference between the English sale price and the price at which these articles were sold to importers to destroy a local industry. There were large numbers of men employed in this industry in the Dominion, and when unemployment was on the increase the Department considered it would he better that consumers should pay a. lew shillings more, rather than allow local importers to destroy the local industry. There was nothinto prevent importers bringing cookers into the country under a permit, provided they were purchased at a fair market value in Britain.